Running out of EBM - just want sympathy/helpful hints/any spare EBM?!

[Jackstini]

ds is nearly 5 months old and so far only had bm or ebm. However, now I am back at work, I cannot express as much as he is drinking. On the 3 days he is at nursery he is taking about a pint, in the same time the most I can get out is about 8 oz.
I had a freezer stash but am down to last 3 bags now and have used all my (wonderful very kind) friend's spare ebm too!
Am just feeling gutted we will have to start supplementing with formula - I know some people will say it is silly but I actually cried at the till when I went to buy some
Am taking fenugreek, pumping as often as I can but don't know if there is anything else I can do?
He has started weaning this week (just little bit of fruit and veg) and is still taking lots of milk from me where possible including about 3 times at night.

Are you pumping at night? That's one way of increasing your supply. You won't see a difference for about a week so don't worry if you don't get any at first. 2am is the best time hormone-wise! Are you able to pump at work?

Don't beat yourself up about it - you've done a fantastic job!

I do work mostly from home so no problem then. Sometimes I am out on the road but the Medela comes with me and I have expressed in various car parks and service stations! (Put full bottle in large coffee cup, nice people at Costa cover with crushed ice and I have mini fridge plugged in car!)
Am usually feeding ds about 1.30am but could try getting some more out after - would there be much there after he has fed?
On the days I work from home I also go into nursery at lunchtime to feed him.

Sounds like you're doing all you can. If you keep going like you are, your supply should stay the same - it shouldn't keep dropping.

Could try expressing after ds has fed at night?

Yes will try that - thanks Picante.
Think ds is much more efficient than the pump!

Well ds just gone to bed and tried expressing but getting nothing
Think he had quite a big feed so will try again later

Some mums find expressing from one breast whilst feeding from the other can lead to a bigger output. It might be a bit fiddly to arrange, but could be worth a go?

Have you also thought about ways to increase your output at the pumping sessions whilst you are separated? I posted some tips this evening on another thread about pumping and working, including a link to a helpful video. I'll put a link to it in a minute. Is there any way you might fit in an extra expressing session whilst you are at work, or even pop down to see him more than once?

Other thread

Well done, you are doing a woderful job for your ds x

I have loads of frozen ebm...if you are local and not grossed out by a stranger's ebm, you can have some...I am in Stanmore Middlesex

Thanks Grendle, there are some really useful tips there & I will watch the video asap. I have expressed whilst he is feeding (had to when I had a breast abcess) but seem to get the same amount.

Lecohen - not grossed out at all, would be tremendously grateful
I am not local but would be willing to drive anyway - should I CAT you?

yes sure x

Have emailed you Lecohen